Lady’Back Swimming and Diving Looking Ahead

BY ANDRES FOCIL

FAYETTEVILLE-University of Arkansas swimming head coach Anne Goodman James announced the Lady Razorbacks 2005-06 schedule Thursday.

Goodman James said the new schedule is a trying one with the Lady’Backs meeting several nationally-ranked teams including defending national champion Georgia, who hosts the Southeastern Conference Championship meet.

“The schedule is a real challenging one,” Goodman James said.“We’ve got Auburn and Florida on the schedule, who are No. 2 and No. 4 in the country. Those will be challenging meets that we’ll really have to step up to.”

Arkansas opens the season at home, Oct. 15, as the Lady’Backs host Nebraska at noon.The Lady’Backs haven’t met the Cornhuskers since the 1991-92 season with Arkansas taking the meet 150-90.

The Lady’Backs travel to Springfield, Mo., to face Drury, Oct. 22.Last season, Arkansas defeated Drury 136-103 to improve its overall record against the Bears to 13-3.

After a meet in Hawai’i last year, Arkansas travels to Houston for a dual meet with the Cougars, Nov. 3, before the Marriott West Loop/Rice Invitational, Nov. 4-5.

The Lady’Backs wrap up November in Bloomington, Ind., with the Indiana University Invitational, Nov. 18-20, before returning to Fayetteville.Arkansas meets its first SEC opponent when the Lady’Backs host Kentucky, Dec. 3, at 1:30 p.m.

Arkansas rings in the New Year as the Lady’Backs host their final home meet of the season against Tulane, Jan. 14 at noon.

The Lady’Backs conclude January against some of the best teams in not only the SEC but also the nation.In Gainesville, Fla., Jan. 20, Arkansas takes on SEC foes Alabama and Florida, who finished fourth at the NCAA Championships last season.

The following week Arkansas travels to Auburn, Ala., to challenge defending SEC Champion and NCAA Runner-Up, Auburn along with a first-ever meeting against Florida State.

Arkansas continues to pursue a conference title when the Lady’Backs travel to Knoxville, Tenn., for the SEC Championship Meet, Feb. 15-18.

The University of Missouri hosts the NCAA Zone Diving Championships, March 10-12, in Columbia, Mo., with NCAA Championship, March 16-18, in Athens, Ga.

For more information on Arkansas swimming and diving, log on to LADYBACKS.COM.